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Building a Healthier Future Together: 2025 Highlights from Monadnock Community Hospital

Historic Parmelee building at Monadnock Community Hospital with brick façade, white trim, green lawn, and flowering trees under a blue sky
Building a Healthier Future Together: 2025 Highlights from Monadnock Community Hospital

Monadnock Community Hospital is proud to look back on a year filled with new programs, exciting milestones, and community connections that strengthened health and well-being across the Monadnock Region. While recognitions help tell part of our story, our everyday work, patient programs, staff celebrations, and community partnerships reveal what makes this hospital special. These highlights reflect the compassion, dedication, and teamwork that guide our mission to improve the well-being of our community.

Celebrating Patient Care Milestones

A group of healthcare professionals at Monadnock Community Hospital stands together in a clinical setting, smiling and holding up peace signs. In the center, a man in navy blue scrubs holds a sign that reads, "2,000 PROCEDURES COMPLETED – Monadnock Community Hospital." The group includes individuals in scrubs, casual clothing, and business attire, all celebrating the milestone. The background features an orange accent wall, medical curtains, and hospital equipment.

This year began with several important clinical milestones that reflect both the skill of our providers, and the confidence patients place in our care. Dr. Michael Gilbert completed his 2,000th gastroenterology procedure, marking a significant achievement in digestive health services for our region. In January we also celebrated Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan’s 100th minimally invasive spine surgery at MCH, a milestone made possible through patient trust, careful planning, and a team approach to surgical care.

A group of medical professionals from Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates and Monadnock Community Hospital celebrate Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan’s 100th spine surgery. They stand together in a clinical setting, holding gold balloon numbers “100,” marking a milestone in advanced spine care.

Our mission continued to support access and opportunity through the Peter Gosline and Patricia Boyd scholarships, which help employee students pursue careers in healthcare. These investments strengthen the region’s future workforce and promote long-term well-being in North America.

Strengthening Community Health and Prevention

Throughout the spring, several major initiatives focused on advancing community health. The Pot o’ Gold Drive encouraged employees to support local charities, reinforcing the generous spirit that defines MCH. The Collaborative Care Model launched through Monadnock Health Partners, connecting mental health support directly into primary care and improving access for patients seeking behavioral health services.

A group of MCH staff members stand together outside the hospital in front of a large inflatable colon display used for colorectal cancer awareness.

Additional progress included recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System, a designation that reflects evidence-based, compassionate care for older adults. Community members also joined us for the return of the giant colon, which highlighted the importance of early colorectal cancer screening. These efforts were complemented by the Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Benefits Report, which provide a clear picture of local needs and guide future investments in health and wellness.

Investing in an Improved Patient Experience

Monadnock Community Hospital staff and leadership gathered in front of the Medical-Surgical Unit holding a red ribbon at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the unit’s renovation.

Several updates focused on strengthening the healing environment at MCH. The Medical Surgical Unit renovation was completed this year, creating a more comfortable and supportive space for patients and families. A video shared the updated design, improved workflow, and calming atmosphere made possible through thoughtful planning and staff input.

Record employee giving also showed the depth of commitment across our organization. Staff contributions supported programs, resources, and services that directly impact patient well-being.

Celebrating Staff and Team Achievements

Captain Tim Quinn stands outdoors holding his EMS award, surrounded by local leaders, staff, and the family of Lauren Morton, all smiling with a wooden tribute plaque.

Honoring the contributions of our teams remained a meaningful part of 2025. The Annual Employee Service Awards recognized the dedication of colleagues across the hospital, while the Lauren Morton Award acknowledged leadership and excellence in Emergency Medicine. The DAISY Award celebrated extraordinary nursing care, and Dr. Harrington’s graduation from the Physician Leadership Development Program highlighted the commitment of clinicians who are building the next generation of healthcare leadership. Two members of our team, Barbara McIntosh and Melissa French, graduated from the Leadership Monadnock Class of 2025, reflecting their commitment to growth and strengthening leadership within our region.

Group of nurses and hospital staff gathered outside Monadnock Community Hospital to celebrate the 2025 DAISY Award Ceremony, with Zoe Crowley holding flowers and an award at the center.

A group of 11 professionally dressed adults standing outdoors on a paved walkway, posing for a photo with trees and buildings in the background. The group includes Dr. Shawn Harrington, seen in a blue shirt and khaki pants near the rear center.

Barbara McIntosh smiles onstage while holding her Leadership Monadnock Class of 2025 certificate, standing beside another program representative during the graduation event.

The Art a la Carte program also launched this year, bringing creativity and inspiration to patients and staff through a new healing arts initiative. The Healing Arts Gallery also introduced Through the Looking Glass, a staff photography exhibition featuring cell phone images captured by MCH employees. This exhibition highlighted creativity, personal expression, and the calming role of art in the patient and visitor experience.

Toni Gildone, Liz Keeney, and Caroline Gomez proudly present the Art a La Carte binder at Monadnock Community Hospital. Part of the Healing Arts initiative, this new program allows patients in the Medical Surgical Unit to choose personalized artwork for their rooms—bringing comfort, choice, and beauty to the bedside.

A group of MCH staff and contributors stand together in the Healing Arts Gallery during the opening of the Through the Looking Glass exhibition, with framed photographs displayed on the walls behind them.

Connecting with Our Community

Large group of golfers standing in a wide circle on a green, all bent over preparing to putt, with a clubhouse and trees in the background under cloudy skies.

Monadnock Community Hospital continued to build meaningful relationships across the region through events focused on connection, celebration, and philanthropy. The annual MCH Golf Tournament had a record-breaking year, bringing together community members, sponsors, and supporters for a day of fun and generosity that directly benefits patient care programs. In August, the hospital also hosted its first National Night Out, welcoming local families and first responders for an evening focused on safety and community partnership.

Peterborough Police officers and MCH security manager pose with a K-9 dog in front of their vehicle and a dunk tank, with signs for K-9 demonstrations and Dunk-a-Cop.

MCH also hosted donor and volunteer appreciation events this year, celebrating the generosity and dedication of community members whose support strengthens our mission and enhances care across the region.

MCH staff and visitors walk through the Quality Showcase event, viewing poster displays and educational projects arranged on tables decorated with teal and white balloons.

Throughout the fall, the Quality Showcase, pumpkin carving, and the annual costume contest brought staff together in ways that strengthened morale and celebrated the spirit of MCH.

A colorful autumn display features decorated pumpkins, including a painted “Pick of the Patch” claw-machine box filled with small character pumpkins and a carved pumpkin with a smiling cartoon-style face.

A group of MCH staff members pose together in festive Halloween costumes, including chicken hats, character outfits, and a pumpkin-head costume, smiling and celebrating the holiday.

 

Supporting Local Health and Wellness

The year closed with Giving Tuesday and the annual Door Decorating Contest, two traditions that bring the hospital together in support of community programs and shared celebration. These moments reflect the generosity, warmth, and teamwork that shape life at MCH.

Monadnock Community Hospital remains deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, the trust of our patients, and the support of the community. Each highlight from 2025 reflects our ongoing mission to improve the well-being of the Monadnock Region and contribute to a stronger future for all.

Awards & Recognitions 2025